Downgrading to Windows XP from Windows XP 64-bit

[Guest Ryan]

I have Windows XP Pro 64 bit and do not like it at all! I bought several

pieces of hardware and software for audio production (M-Audio NRV10,

Pro-Tools) which are not compatible with this OS, and wish to downgrade to

the 32 bit version, or simply go right to Vista. If I do this, will I loose

all of my data, or will the computer automatically upgrade/downgrade the OS

so that all of my data is preserved?

 

Ryan

[Guest Allan]

Re: Downgrading to Windows XP from Windows XP 64-bit

 

 

"Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:2EEC0889-87BC-4424-8DAD-8E37ABDB4D57@microsoft.com...

>I have Windows XP Pro 64 bit and do not like it at all! I bought several

> pieces of hardware and software for audio production (M-Audio NRV10,

> Pro-Tools) which are not compatible with this OS, and wish to downgrade

> to

> the 32 bit version, or simply go right to Vista. If I do this, will I

> loose

> all of my data, or will the computer automatically upgrade/downgrade the

> OS

> so that all of my data is preserved?

>

> Ryan

You may want to consider dual-booting as described on the MS website. You

have to partition your system drive to make room for the 32-bit OS. You may

also have to reinstall Pro x64 on the new partition. Back up your data to

removable media such as CD, DVD, or external drive first to be safe.

[Guest Charlie Russel - MVP]

Re: Downgrading to Windows XP from Windows XP 64-bit

 

Your "data" can be preserved, if it's not on the same partition as your

operating system. If, however, it is on the same partition, you need to make

a backup copy of it and restore it after rebuilding your machine. There is

no upgrade or direct conversion between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. You must

install to a clean empty partition when moving from one to the other.

 

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard can help with saving off your data

files and your settings. Run the wizard before you do the conversion, saving

to a separate partition, or an external drive or network share. Then, do the

install, download all the latest service packs and updates, re-install your

programs, and run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard again to restore

your data.

 

--

Charlie.

http://msmvps.com/xperts64

http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/charlie.russel

 

 

"Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:2EEC0889-87BC-4424-8DAD-8E37ABDB4D57@microsoft.com...

>I have Windows XP Pro 64 bit and do not like it at all! I bought several

> pieces of hardware and software for audio production (M-Audio NRV10,

> Pro-Tools) which are not compatible with this OS, and wish to downgrade

> to

> the 32 bit version, or simply go right to Vista. If I do this, will I

> loose

> all of my data, or will the computer automatically upgrade/downgrade the

> OS

> so that all of my data is preserved?

>

> Ryan